"He leads me beside waters of rest. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."

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LKP

I know the “fiery darts” from the “enemy” well…..ultimately the answer is Romans 6
truths….crucified with Christ. We experience freedom from all our enemies
when we accept that place of “death” to the osn, the world, and the devil.
The temptations come back to try us, but the answer is the same…our refusal to leave
that crucified position. As George Mueller said once: he died to all his
dreams, hopes, desires….and lived for the Lord and His will alone. The Lord
works in us deeply as we accept this crucified position….and the results in
us is that peace and rest He promises. It takes concentrating on the
specific scriptures that apply and related scripture based writings help
to keep focused on these truths, too. I think the seminary’s teaching on
Eph.6:13….”that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day…” is true.
The professors taught that the “evil day” is not every day, every minute,
but limited to certain times. The Lord limits Satan and his attacks on
our minds. When the attacks come we are to stand in that place…that
position where the Lord has already put us…crucified with Christ. All
believers have the same battle (Eph.6:12)….the enemy uses different
“fiery darts” on each of us. It helps immensely to be reminded that
even in this spiritual battle, God uses it all for our spiritual good. (2Cor.4:17).
I am seeing the results of the truth in John 12:25: “he that loveth his
[natural] life shall lose it; and he that hateth his [natural] life in
this world shall keep it unto life eternal. ” We learn that we don’t
live for the life in this world, but for the eternal values. (2 Cor.4:18).
We know these truths….but need to live in them daily. I love verse 16
in 2Cor.4: “For which cause we faint not but though our outward man
perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” This life on earth
is nothing but corruption….the real life…eternal life in knowing Christ
more day by day….that is the real life. And our minds are renewed
daily as we feed on these truths. The familiar passage of scripture
that deals with the “conflict” we experience from Satan is Eph.6:10-18.
Another passage is Eph.4:22-24,27. “Walking in the light” will give
us all the peace and joy promised in the scriptures. see Phil. 2:16.
Dwelling on these scriptures take time….but we find we need them
and cannot find that help we need anywhere else. lkp

Note: I believe it was Tommy Ice who mentioned that God’s people showed such a

desire for expository preaching that they flooded the conferences in the early 1900s.

It was this pursuit of God’s Word that eventually caused the need for more Bible teachersand preachers and brought about the founding of Dallas Theological Seminary and otherlike- Bible schools. As Dr. John Mitchell said, God will provide truth to feed His people. lkp

“The faithful exposition of the Word of God powerfully transforms lives. This was never more true than in the preaching ministry by the so-called “Plymouth Brethren” 150 years ago. Men of God such as Henry Moorhouse, William Kelly, C.H. Macintosh, and R.C. Chapman were exceptionally gifted expositors of the Bible. C.H. Spurgeon commented that R.C. Chapman, was one of the godliest and most gifted expositors in England. “Brethren” Bible conferences in North America and Great Britain attracted overflowing crowds of serious Christians.

The Legacy of Expository Preaching

Of all the contributions of the so-called “Plymouth Brethren” movement to the evangelical church, it may be that expository preaching is its most enduring legacy. Expository preaching had fallen into disfavor at this time. Most ministers preached topically or textually, using one text or verse and then building a sermon around the theme of the verse. The “Plymouth Brethren” did not follow this method, but introduced a verse-by-verse, chapter-by-chapter consecutivemethod of Scripture exposition. Moreover, they preached the Bible as one unified book. They

demonstrated that the prophecies of the Old Testament and the teaching of the New Testament could not be isolated from one another; rather, both were essential to a proper understanding of the Bible. They took seriously the historical-grammatic method of interpretation of Scripture, and labored in the exposition of types, dispensations, and prophecies of the Bible. They were recognized as authorities on the original languages of the Scriptures, trends within theology, and biblical

history and culture. This style of preaching was a refreshing change, stimulating spiritual growth and stirring great interest in the Scriptures. This unique approach virtually transformed the method in which the Bible was proclaimed and has influenced expository preaching well into our present day. The efforts of these Brethren expositors had a significant impact on L.S. Chafer, H.A. Ironside,

and the founders of Dallas Theological Seminary and Moody Bible Institute, influencing the expository preaching of a whole new generation.

The Importance of Expository Preaching

As expository preaching was given great emphasis by the early “Plymouth Brethren,” leading evangelical preachers on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean were quick to see its great importance. As expository preaching began to gain acceptance, the spiritual lives of many Christians were revitalized. This expository preaching movement may have contributed in part to the deep interest in the Scofield Reference Bible, the surge in missionary interest, and the Bible Prophecy

Conference Movement of the late 1800s. How does expository preaching transform lives?

Why is expository preaching so important? Alfred P. Gibbs, the author of The Preavcher and His Preaching, explains the importance of expository preaching:

“Expository preaching puts the supreme emphasis on the Word of God. It magnifies the Word of God, and gives it the place of supreme authority…this type of preaching serves the far better purpose of edifying the people of God as the Scriptures are applied to their everyday lives. It provides an opportunity for speaking on many passages that would otherwise be neglected. By means of this method of preaching little known truths will be given their rightful place, and it will be demonstrated

that all Scripture is essential to furnish the man of God. The well-placed emphasis on expository preaching is a great tool in the hand of God for spiritual renewal.”

The Challenge of Expository Preaching

These human messengers of the oracles of God were powerfully gripped by the realization that they were handling divine truth. Therefore, faithfulness and spiritual care were essential in setting forth the truths of the Scriptures. Many hours of careful study were devoted to understanding

the truth of God. These expositors, armed with the Word of God in their hearts and skilled with gift from above, brought untold blessing to many. Many were challenged by the godliness of their character, the breadth of their knowledge of the holy Word, and their commitment to the truth of God at all costs. Many who heard their ministry were changed forever. Expository preaching is theappointed way of bringing men and women face to face with the truths of God’s Word. It is God’s

method of faithfully proclaiming the whole counsel of God and fully furnishing believers for service. The apostle Paul exhorts Timothy, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine”

(2 Tim. 4:2). May we take up this important challenge to passionately preach the Word of God, to proclaim it expositionally, and to faithfullymake the truth of God known to a new generation!

“The eye of the Lord Jesus is never off us! ‘He withdraweth not His eyes
from the righteous.’ Let us remember that the flesh never can be made
any better; but the Lord Jesus is continually thinking of us to do the needed
thing. What does He do? He puts down the flesh. How does He deal with
us? He makes nothing of us; and that is not at all pleasant.

The Lord Jesus took care by this thorn in the flesh that Paul should be
a person in some way contemptible. Paul asked three times that it should
be taken away. Not at all, the Lord says: I have given it on purpose;
I must make nothing of Paul, that I may be everything to him. Do you say
you are in Christ before the Father, and loved as Christ is loved? I reckon
myself dead, if I talk of my place before the Father; I bear about the dying
of the Lord Jesus, if I am to manifest His life in this world. [For we which
live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of
Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 2Cor. 4:11]. Nature,
of course, does not relish that; but, if we are to manifest the life of the
Lord Jesus in our mortal bodies, the flesh must be put down.

Reckon [count on being true] yourselves to be dead unto sin [nature], because
in Christ you have died. When you go down to this world, the only possible
dealing with the [sin nature] is making nothing of you. This is not power,
but it is the way the Father deals with us to give power, whether
to an apostle or to the giver of a cup of water. If you are in Christ, one
wants nothing but Him from you. The thorn is not strength in itself, but
preparation for power. Suppose Paul despicable in his ministry: well,
there never was such a work done before. Then there must be something
besides Paul here: it must be Christ. Ah! says Paul, ‘I glory in my
infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.’

The Lord Jesus’ strength is made perfect [perfected, matured] in our
weakness. He cannot make it perfect in our strength! I am as weak as
water—a poor weak thing. God has chosen that no flesh may glory in
His presence. Where a person is nothing, ‘My strength is sufficient.’
Where is His strength made perfect? In a person who has no strength
at all: then it must be the Lord Jesus. When I am made nothing of,
‘I glory in my infirmities.’ There is what the Christian is.

My Father says that I have died, and am now alive unto Him, and loved
as His beloved Son is loved. My position is in Him, and in Him only.
Experience contradicts this. So I have to find out that the flesh is a judged
and crucified thing. ‘I have been crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live.’
If in point of fact the flesh is there, it is a judged thing.

The Lord keeps me then; He sends a thorn, if needed, to put me down
completely. When the flesh is practically put down in its place of death,
then Christ’s strength is made perfect in my weakness, for there can be
no doubt that it is His strength. Are your hearts content that the [sin nature]
should be put down? Can you glory in infirmities that the power of Christ
may rest upon you?

If we seek to have the life of the Lord Jesus manifested in us, if we are
conscious that He is our blessed portion….we want more depth — all of us –
showing us what the flesh is, and what the Lord Jesus is. The time is
coming when we shall see all the rest was worse than vanity, stunting
the life of Christ in us, instead of mortifying our members on earth.
May the Father give us to see the Lord Jesus that we may now say
with Paul, ‘I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge
of Christ Jesus my Lord.’” (William Kelly….edited by lkp)

When going through suffering (trial, discipline) isn’t our first reaction – “take this away from me” instead of “take me through it”?????
Isn’t our first reaction – “my will be done” instead of “Thou will be done”????

Years ago, a pastor friend made a statement about a mutual friend: this friend reminded
the pastor of Jonah….who was more interested in his own will…his own comfort (see Jonah 4)
than God’s will. My reply was: “Well, Lord, keep the worms coming!”

No doubt most have the initial reaction to a trial: a desire to escape or to be delivered from
the trials. We are not convinced or confident in God’s word that “all things work together for good.”
Some go to great lengths to change the circumstances rather than view it from God’s hand.
If we endure and depend upon the Lord though we are mystified how these trials can
be from the Lord, we learn to stand upon God’s word though seemingly there is no
evidence of good coming from them. We can look back and see over and over He has
“proved” His will in our lives (Rom.12:2). The continuous pressure of the trials are revealing:
we learn the sin nature will never change….and any emotional response out from the sin
nature will not change. The weight of the pressure drives us to the Lord for His remedy.
We learn the workings of Roman 6 truths….and the freedom from the grievous power of
the sin nature ….yielding to it brings us down to “death” (Rom.8:13). How many trips
to this situation until we learn the freedom and joy of God’s solution! We know in
theory it would be best to respond with faith immediately to the trial. I don’t know
about other believers, but this has taken me many years to learn. I dislike the idea
of the “bit and the bridle” being necessary to bring me along in my growth…but
that is what I needed. I thank the Lord He did not give up on me! John 12:24-25. lkp

The plan of God did ALL that was needed to meet God’s righteousness (an unrighteous man cannot know God)….God, through Jesus Christ’s work on the cross brought salvation to all men…BUT not all men will accept / receive this salvation. Paul said God reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ… then Paul says to: receive this reconciliation that God has provided. Not all will turn to Him for this salvation…”for all men have not faith.”

Some verses to look up:

Romans 3:28 –“a man is justified by faith..”
Romans 9:32 — (speaking of Israel in v.31) –“they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law.”
Romans 13:5 –“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith..”
Galatians 3:8-9 –“God would justify the heathen through faith…”
Galatians 6:10 –“do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
Ephesians 2:8–“For by grace are ye saved through faith…”
2 Thessalonians 3:2 –“we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith…”

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 –“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ…
verse 19: “To with, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself”
verse 20: “we pray you in Christ’s stead, BE YE RECONCILED TO GOD…”
2 Corinthians 5:21 –“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we MIGHT
be made the righteousness of God in him.”

2 Corinthians 3:14-16–“But their minds were blinded…the vail is upon their heart….when it [their heart]shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.”

Question:
I am thinking about praying “in the Spirit” and how to
make sure that’s how prayer is done?

If we are abiding in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are filled with
the Holy Spirit because the Holy Spirit fills us with Christ
and His likeness…the fruit of the Spirit. This is as we think
on the Lord through the Word of God. If temptation comes
to entice us from this position, and we follow that temptation
and then sin, we grieve the Holy Spirit in our life. We feel this
loss of fellowship with God and lose our peace etc.

Our prayers are effective when we are abiding, focusing on the
Lord and not on self. It is resting and depending on Him
in everything. We need to drink from Him through His word
to be strengthened to keep resting. Our thinking is renewed
by this and we more and more have the Lord’s view on things
and consequently will pray from His will and not ours. This
is a growth process that is day by day, moment by moment.
lkp

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THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

"The Christian life is not our living a life like Christ, or our trying to be Christ-like, nor is it Christ giving us the power to live a life like His; but it is Christ Him-self living His own life through us; 'no longer I, but Christ.'"
Miles J. Stanford

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Please scroll down to "Categories" just below this notice where you will find a 'drop down' index of both categories and authors. Placing the authors in this list will take some time so please be patient.

NORTHWEST BIBLE BOOKSHELF

NORTHWEST BIBLE BOOKSHELF is where we put the longer articles for DISPENSATIONALWOMAN. They are meant for the reader who has a bit more time and desires reading something by one of these authors.
http://thedeepertruths.wordpress.com

SPIRITUAL SHARING SERVICE

"Since Tri-S (By Miles J. Stanford) is a sharing service, we naturally encourage you to share with others. It has been said by Charles Stanley (1800's), 'No Christian can prosper in his own soul unless he is seeking the welfare of others.'

There is no conflict between the OLD and the NEW;
The conflict is between the FALSE and the TRUE."

Miles J. Stanford (in Tri-S 1)

Miles, in the Tri-S series, encouraged his readers to share his material that he spent a life time compiling. We intend to follow his wishes. In telephone conversations, he reiterated this point. lkp